Show Reviews

This show was O.K overall but this on not a review of the show. This is a review of a very tight tight Down with Disease. It's the first indication of what Phish and Trey had in mind for 1997. Coming out of 1996 and listening to each show from that year. It was a nice change from the "normal" Phish. I knew Phish would destroy America in 1997 but it begins here. Take a 12-13 mins of your life and give it a listen. It will not disappoint you. Trust me!!

The second show of the winter '97 Europe tour find the band seeking (but not yet finding) a new, more democratic sound. The audience is particulary quiet at this show, which may have inspired the uniquely-placed Sweet Adeline in the first set.

The opening trio of tunes have plenty of energy, and the YEM is particularly exciting. The jam isn't long, but the drum and bass section is outstanding. Mike uses a unique effect to drive a patient jam that slowly builds in momentum and his "laser" sound gives the D&B section a very unique flavor.

The Bag to open the second set sounds like the whole band's just taken some Valium for the first five minutes or so before they all sort of wake up.

Reba is played at a very fast pace, especially the lyric section. The bass kind of disappears at the end, not sure what happened here. The novelty of Walfredo is introduced amusingly by Trey.

“To make sure you don’t get confused with the sauce, this song is not called Alfredo. It’s called Walfredo. We hope you like it.”

Of historic interest, following Walfredo with Rock-A-William marks the only time these two songs were paired back-to-back. So you get a solid block of time with band members playing each other's instruments in the middle of the second set. The rest of the show is completely standard.

Another fine but skippable show. Highlights are definitely the YEM and DWD, both of which are better than anything played the previous night. The DWD in particular is as fine of a Type I version as you'll find. The segue from Scent to ADITL is also unexpected but nothing crazy, and not the most exciting way to send a second set.

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